The Broussard/Tharp Event (4)

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Book Recommendations: National Library Workers Day

The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer

During the Great Depression, Addie Cowherd dreams of being a novelist and offering readers the escape that books gave her during her tragic childhood. When her adoptive father loses his job, she is forced to leave college and take the only employment she can find--delivering books on horseback to poor coal mining families in the hills of Kentucky.

The small community of Boone's Hollow is suspicious of outsiders and steeped in superstitions that leave Addie feeling rejected and indignant. Although she finds an unexpected friend in an elderly outcast, the other horseback librarians scorn her determination to befriend Nanny Fay.

Emmett Tharp grew up in the tiny mountain hamlet where most men either work in the coal mine or run moonshine. He's the first in the community to earn a college degree, and he has big dreams, but witnesses the Depression robbing many young men of their future.

Then someone sets out to sabotage the library program, going so far as to destroy Addie's novel in progress. Will the saboteur chase Addie and the other librarians away, or will knowledge emerge victorious over prejudice? Is Emmett the local ally that Addie needs--and might their friendship lead to something more?

This is the first volume in “The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow” series.

The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong

Two women. One secret. A truth worth fighting for.

1918. Timid and shy Emmaline Balakin lives more in books than her own life. That is, until an envelope crosses her desk at the Dead Letter Office bearing a name from her past, and Emmaline decides to finally embark on an adventure of her own--as a volunteer librarian on the frontlines in France. But when a romance blooms as she secretly participates in a book club for censored books, Emmaline will need to find more courage within herself than she ever thought possible in order to survive.

1976. Kathleen Carre is eager to prove to herself and to her nana that she deserves her acceptance into the first coed class at the United States Naval Academy. But not everyone wants female midshipmen at the Academy, and after tragedy strikes close to home, Kathleen becomes a target. To protect herself, Kathleen must learn to trust others even as she discovers a secret that could be her undoing.

The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin

Ava thought her job as a librarian at the Library of Congress would mean a quiet, routine existence. But an unexpected offer from the US military has brought her to Lisbon with a new mission: posing as a librarian while working undercover as a spy gathering intelligence.

Meanwhile, in occupied France, Elaine has begun an apprenticeship at a printing press run by members of the Resistance. It’s a job usually reserved for men, but in the war, those rules have been forgotten. Yet she knows that the Nazis are searching for the press and its printer in order to silence them.

As the battle in Europe rages, Ava and Elaine find themselves connecting through coded messages and discovering hope in the face of war.

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe

Fourteen-year-old Dita is one of the many imprisoned by the Nazis at Auschwitz. Taken, along with her mother and father, from the Terezín ghetto in Prague, Dita is adjusting to the constant terror that is life in the camp. When Jewish leader Freddy Hirsch asks Dita to take charge of the eight precious volumes the prisoners have managed to sneak past the guards, she agrees. And so Dita becomes the librarian of Auschwitz.

From the Los Angeles County Library catalog.  They have 10 of Mio’s books on pre-order but nothing on LCC’s latest book even though I submitted a purchase request.  They have LCC’s other books so she is a well renowned author in the library system.  Anyway, here is a listing for juvenile literature with 18 copies in paperback version. 

A black woman did that! : 42 boundary-breaking, bar-raising, world-changing women Author:  Adero, Malaika, 1957- author. ISBN:  9781941367513

Subject Term: 

African American women – Juvenile literature.

African American women. (OCoLC)fst00799438

Genre: 

Juvenile works. (OCoLC)fst01411637

Biographies.

Contents:  Jesmyn Ward – Stacey Abrams – Misty Copeland – Alice Coltrane – Mada C.J. Walker – Patricia Bath – Lorraine Hansberry – Mo'ne Davis – Harriet Tubman – Debbie Allen – Angela Davis – Meghan Markle – Barbara Harris – Ava DuVernay – Xenobia Bailey – Bethann Hardison – Alice Walker – Serena Williams – Coretta Scott King – Whoopi Goldberg – Hadiyah-Nicole Green – Amy Sherald – Mary Fields – Cathy Hughes – Mae Jemison – Nina Simone – Ida B. Wells – Zora Neale Hurston – Sister Rosetta Tharpe – Shirley Chisholm – Bessie Coleman – Gwendolyn Brooks – Faith Ringgold – MIchelle Obama – Glory Edim – Abbey Lincoln – Shonda Rhimes – Shirley Ann Jackson – Simone Biles – Ella Baker. Summary:  A Black Woman Did That! spotlights vibrant, inspiring black women whose accomplishments have changed the world for the better. A Black Woman Did That! is a celebration of strong, resilient, innovative, and inspiring women of color. With a vibrant mixture of photography, illustration, biography, and storytelling, author Malaika Adero will spotlight well-known historical figures and women who are pushing boundaries today–including Ida B. Wells, Madam CJ Walker, Shirley Chisholm, Althea Gibson, Mae Jamison, Maxine Waters, Jesmyn Ward, Ava DuVernay, and Amy Sherald. Readers will recognize some names in the book, but will also be introduced to many important black women who have changed history or who are reshaping the cultural landscape. They’ll learn: *how the activism of Bree Newsome resulted in the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina State House. *how Barbara Harris became the first female bishop of the Episcopal Church *how mathematician Katherine Johnson’s work at NASA was key to getting American astronauts to the moon *how Alicia Garza, Patrisse Collins, and Opal Tometi launched the Black Lives Matter movement *how Mary Fields crisscrossed the country on horseback in the 1890s as the first woman to drive a mail coach *how the work and inventions of Dr. Patricia Bath have saved or restored the eyesight of people around the world Entries on each woman or group will highlight their accomplishments, their world-changing words, and the ways in which their lives and actions have made the world a better place. The book will also include a robust resource list of books, audio and visual recordings, and links, inviting readers, parents, and teachers to learn even more about the amazing black women featured in the book.

Author Notes

Malaika Adero , author of Up South: Stories, Studies and Letters of This Century’s African American Migrations (The New Press, 1993) and co-author of Speak, So You Can Speak Again: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston (Doubleday, 2003) with Dr. Lucy Hurston. Shorter published works have appeared in many anthologies and periodicals including Mending the World , edited by Rosemary Robotham, Black Southern Voices by edited by James Early & John O. Killens, Essence magazine, AOL Black Voices, and Black Enterprise . She’s based in New York City and Atlanta, Georgia. Chanté Timothy is a freelance illustrator based in London, England. Her work focuses on children’s illustration with an ever-growing passion for representation of minorities. Her drawings are bubbly, bright, and colorful, with lots of movement and energy. She uses eye-catching, contrasting colors to draw in the viewer.

 Wow! What the hell is her name doing there?  This is disgusting.  Her name doesn’t belong with some of those amazing women!  She is trash!  She has done nothing for the world….I’m disgusted!.😔❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Dr. Moses "Musa" Powell (1941-2005)- A martial arts master teacher and practitioner from New York. Moses Powell was a master student to , he was so skilled at Juijitsu that he developed his own style and system called Sanuces Ryu and he still ha students such as Anthony Muhammad teaching today. Moses was a teacher to the Nation of Islam, law enforcement, and even the FBI. Ava DuVernay (Born 1972). I know most of you know Ava so I don't need to do the whole bio. But I'll say that I became aware of her work when she released a little documentary called "This is the Life" about a L.A. hip hop scene that produced some of my favorite MC's. And imagine how stunned I was when I realized I'd been listening to Ava rhyme on Project Blowed and didnt even know it was her. This is the 3rd time I've drawn or painted Ava. Yes. Go watch her latest film "The 13th" about prison industrial complex and its relation to slavery. Octavia Butler (1947-2006)- Octavia was in incredible mind. An incredible writer, and a predictor of future. My mom read her work and introduced me to her 15-20 years ago. It wasn't until I was in my late 20's that I actually read and understood her work. In fact, she is the reason why I now love to read and share books with others. Her work in fantasy and science fiction has inspired so many with her talent for describing, telling, and bringing you in. I beg you, read her work and check out Octavia's Brood-an anthology of writers inspired by her work. Dawud Anyabwile (born 1965)- Illustrator and co-creator of the Brotherman Comics stories, I first became aware of his work as a teen, and later became rejuvenated by it as a young adult. I have written about this brother in magazines, and social forums because his outlook and approach to life, his views on Black family, and his stunning artistic abilities are a guiding light daily. Go support this living legend now by getting "Brotherman-Revelations" for your kids. Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1915-1973)- A Rock and Roll pioneer, she was one of the architects of what today is now known as Rock in its many forms. She was a pioneer in her life, music, beliefs, and her relationships being a bi-sexual woman in her day. Her style was fierce, loud, and extremely soulful. Oddisee (born 1985). Amir Mohamed is a Sudanese American musicians who both rhymes and produces instrumental music. The basis for his work is hip hop, but it expands to other genre's such as Jazz, Soul, and house. I first became aware of the brother on a visit to DC back in 2008 and have been a fan of him and Diamond District since. His work is extremely skillful, well crafted and thought-out, and balanced with thought and care-free. I think many my age would agree that he is one of most talented to do it. On constant rotation. Support him now by seeing him perform or buying his new LP. These are a few illustrations from last year that were commissioned by a Bay Area Tech company last year for Black History/Future month. There are more, but these were my favorite. If you would like to purchase a print of any one of these email me at [email protected] 8"x11" mixed media on paper.

“Legally Blonde” show #799

This past Thursday evening brought an evening with Delta Nu president, Elle Woods, and her journey to Harvard Law in pursuit of her “serious” ex-boyfriend, Warner. However, on the road to not getting him, she discovered that she had the intelligence and strength within to overcome the dreaded stereotypes and judgments that come with being a blonde. Elle Woods may be a lot of things, but she’s not “that blonde,” as demonstrated when she outsmarts: a snooty saleswoman; her pompous ex in a case study; her sleazy law professor, Prof. Callahan; her new hairdresser’s also-sleazy ex-boyfriend; a possibly gay and/or European pool boy; and a murderous daughter. All these points of wit and tenacity are demonstrated quite well in a fully-realized performance by CenterStage Clovis’ Sarah Rosenthal. Her legit vocal chops, bright smile, and understanding of what makes Elle tick on her journey to Harvard Law valedictorian are what elevates her arc to one that captures the heart of the audience.

From the start, it is clear what director Scott Hancock has set out to do with this beloved piece of fluffy musical theatre: let the audience enjoy and bop to the musical numbers, but really home in on Heather Hach’s book. As a whole, the message of Legally Blonde is effectively delivered by giving its proper attention to the comedy and romantic plot points; however, no moment is lost when portraying the, for lack of a better term, ickier side of Elle’s journey as a lawyer. Prof. Callahan is all that is wrong with males-in-power, and Mr. Hancock’s pacing of the Act Two scene with Ms. Rosenthal and Darren Tharp, playing Prof. Callahan, is what makes this production the whole package it so deserves to be. The calculated hunter, assuming his prey (Elle) is weak and defenseless when she is actually more than capable of standing up for herself, finally, is what makes the journey worth it. That being said, the acting and singing performances in this Legally Blonde are commendable and so well-suited for an evening of entertainment at the Mercedes Edwards Theater.

(Sarah Rosenthal (Elle) holding Pennie (Bruiser); Photo source: CenterStage Clovis)

Ms. Rosenthal’s bubbly, charming demeanor is exactly what Elle should be, and her vocal chops are on exuberant display in her leadership of “What You Want,” “So Much Better,” and given a nice depth of angst and wanting in the title song, post-Callahan kiss. What makes Ms. Rosenthal’s performance so effective is that she never loses focus on what Elle really wants, which is Warner. This slow burn chemistry fizzles as Warner, played with a nice dose of pomposity and dripping cockiness by William MacDonald, is at its peak in “Serious,” the fake-out proposal song which garners laughs and insta-sympathy for Elle. As that fire gets doused, Ms. Rosenthal dishes as much as she gets from Dakota Simpson’s endearing, scene-stealing turn as Emmett, nerdy law students who is Callahan’s right hand man and eventual co-counsel on the case at hand. The rise in attraction and respect Elle and Emmett have for one another is given a logical, warm, and driven passion, making their relationship one the audience so desperately roots for. Mr. Simpson’s vocals are beautiful in storytelling nuance and musical richness in “Chip on My Shoulder” and the “Take it Like a Man.”

(Sarah Rosenthal (Elle) and Dakota Simpson (Emmett); Photo source: CenterStage Clovis)

Mr. Tharp is a devilishly fetching Prof. Callahan, and his vocals make the often skipped song on the cast recording, “Blood in the Water,” (no offense to Michael Rupert, or Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin) a dynamite Act One almost-patter tune with a big-voiced ending which Mr. Tharp absolutely nails. But not just a presence and a voice, Mr. Tharp’s acting chops make every one of his scenes a demand for attention as a plot-pushing service culminating in his eventual exit from the courtroom. Madelyn Broach is a standout as Vivienne, Warner’s new girlfriend and law student who does not like Elle one bit, until she does. Vivienne is one of those roles written in a very unbalanced fashion in terms of musical chops versus acting turns. However, when Ms. Broach’s belt is unleashed in the “Legally Blonde (remix),” the audience’s patience is rewarded, as the notes sweep attention to where it’s due, allowing Ms. Broach to round out her journey from frigid law competitor to female empath who realizes the value of teamwork and doing the right thing. Kay Wilkins is a comedic gem of an actress as Paulette, Elle’s new hairdresser, friend, and all-around confidant. “Ireland,” and its reprise, is given the right staging and comedic inflection to allow Ms. Wilkins’ to make the ill-fitting solo a production highlight. However, it is in the energetically staged and performed “Bend and Snap,” where Ms. Wilkins really lets loose and rocks the house alongside the solid trio of Fatima Avila, Ava Tafallo, and Lexie Castellanos, playing Elle’s Greek chorus/Delta Nu sisters, Pilar, Margot, and Serena, respectively. The trio does kick off the show with an enthusiastic “Omigod You Guys,” though the sound mixing had the band overpower the majority of those opening vocals.

(L to R: Darren Tharp (Prof. Callahan), Dakota Simpson (Emmett), Sarah Rosenthal (Elle); Photo source: CenterStage Clovis)

Musically, this is one of the best versions of the score I’ve ever heard, fabulously led by conductor, Pete Van Der Paardt. Though the orchestra does overpower in several of the all-call numbers, the tuneage and energy is felt throughout the charged O’Keefe/Benjamin score, and delivers the intimacies of “Legally Blonde” and “Chip on My Shoulder” in a manner the character’s feelings are truly felt. Erin Roberts’ choreography of “What You Want” and “Whipped into Shape” are show highlights in terms of honoring the lyrics, the dance breaks, and letting loose the hard-working ensemble in a way that gives personality to the more legit dance turns. And while we’re on it, Kelsey Coyne’s performance as Brooke Wyndham, fitness goddess and murder suspect in the case at hand, is absolutely flawless, jump rope-ography and all. It is so mean for O’Keefe and Benjamin to make the actress playing Brooke have to belt and riff after such a demanding Act Two opener, and yet, with Ms. Coyne in the part, it is an effortless (appearing), completely stellar job that is deserving of multiple rounds of applause, if not an ovation.

(Kay Wilkins (Paulette) petting Victor E. Buldog III (Rufus); Photo source: CenterStage Clovis)

Legally Blonde closes in just two days, with three chances left to see it. It is not every production of this particular title that lends itself to more attention than is basically needed to follow the simple plot and tap your toe to the upbeat tunes. However, Mr. Hancock and company have done what is necessary to ensure that the heart and the message of this show take prominence. That is what Elle would want you to leave thinking about. That is what we audience members need to be reminded of. Go see this show!

Books

Books have sort of let me travel and see through all different eyes this Summer. I have read the most books this summer than I have out of any summer and I will only read more and more books each summer :)

The books I have read have helped me deal with my own thoughts and feelings.

Books I have read this Summer (2017):

*Books turned into movies

Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Paper Town by John Green

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

It's Kind of a Funny Story - Ned Vizzini

Speak - Laurie Halse Anderson

*Mysterious/Suspenseful

Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates

The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas

The Third Twin by CJ Omololu

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware (still in the process of reading)

*Books Involving Suicide

Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira

Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Rumble by Ellen Hopkins

What I've Learned...

- Being the outcast isn't a bad thing.

- Live your life to the fullest (as cliché as the sounds). Take risks and don't live in constant fear of doing something wrong. Just LIVE.

- Sometimes moving on means letting go. Even if it hurts, like really hurts.

- The ones we are closest to may not be the people we always thought they were...

- Unexpected relationships can form from unexpected 'journeys' (for lack of a better word)

- Writing is a powerful form of expression. Whether it be for yourself or for others to read.

- You MUST find happiness for yourself before you can find it with others.

- It's not always the best thing to keep things to yourself.

- Sometimes you have to expect the unexpected.

free write

When I first read that we were doing a free write I felt scared because sometimes my free writes can get really nitty gritty and a little too personal for the public eye however that is also why sometimes I want to share my free writes because it is some of the most honest work I do. I am trying not to stop writing, and now I am realizing that I am pretty rusty. Alright Twyla Tharp, you win; writing is definitely exercise and I am running out of breath. I am just going to describe some of my room I guess. There are two window to the right of my bed. The blinds of off white because of age and there are no curtains, which is a shame because curtains would do a lot for this room. I can’t afford frivolous things like curtains though, because I can’t even afford groceries. The starving college student thing was funny at first, but sometimes lately it feels scary. My friend Ava calls it “a new kind of poor”. Back to the windows. I have a buddha statue sitting in the window sill. Call me a poser, but I really do love the beliefs that Buddhism holds. Next to the statue is a photo of my broken family. It is me when I was four, my mom Jamie, and my dad Todd, before my brother Jack was born and before my parents got divorced. They divorced when I was in eighth grade. My mom told me about the divorce while we were sitting on our ratty old yellow and black striped couch. I remember playing with the lines on the couch while she talked, trying not to meet her eyes. I knew, even at a young age, that it was for the better, but I felt sorry for my parents because divorces are painful and messy and my dad had been sleeping on the futon in the basement for a year. Next to that picture I have a pot of fake flowers from the dollar tree in Newport. I wanted real flowers, but ironically real flowers are more expensive than fake ones. Underneath my window sill I have my Love Trumps Hate poster taped up. I  got that the night that I saw Hillary Clinton speak at smaile park. I was too far away to see much of her, but when she was in my line of vision she was easy to find because she was wearing a bright red suit. I wish she was my president.

The Tharps (2)

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The Love Doctor (4)

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The Third Degree (1)

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Ava & Al

Alvedo (Al) Green has been the head chef at Supper (the Tharp family restaurant) ever since the original chef, Hambone Johnson passed away. When Ava took over management, she was a very young mother alone in San Myshuno, struggling to raise a little one. Not only was she beautiful, but his heart went out to her. She was clearly in over her head.

Al has always been a buffer for her, protecting her. He helped her find staff, stayed up late with her to finish paperwork… it was only a matter of time before things turned into more.

However, Ava has always been conflicted; she’d already chosen the wrong man once – she never wanted to do it again. Now that Kenya’s a teenager, Ava’s begun to do the math. This man has been steadfast for 12 years now; think it’s safe to say he’s proven himself.

And - after all those years of sneaking around, it’ll be nice to live (and love) out in the open 🖤🤘🏾

The Love Doctor (1)

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The Tharps (1)

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The Broussard/Tharp Event (5)

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Estrangement/Engagement (2)

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